Operation Food Search Argues SNAP Cuts Are Worsening Hunger in Missouri
In a commentary piece, Operation Food Search, a Missouri and Illinois food assistance nonprofit, argues that rising hunger is being obscured by USDA's 2025 decision to stop publishing its annual Household Food Security report. The authors cite their own data showing mobile farmers market visits rose 155% and website "Find Food" searches rose 17% this summer, which they attribute to inflation, stagnant wages, and federal SNAP changes. They note that H.R.1's new SNAP work requirements have caused over 40,000 Missourians to lose benefits as of September 24, and that Missouri's Department of Social Services will soon require additional documentation, including proof of housing costs and bank account information, for recertification. The authors contend that losing federal food insecurity data makes it harder to track the effects of these policy changes.